1. You practically live in spandex.
Even when you’re off the court, spandex always seem to find a way into your wardrobe. Seriously though, I can guarantee you that you will probably find a volleyball player wearing spandex under her dress.
2. Bruises on your knees become more of battle wounds rather than ugly scars.
If you’re like me, you probably take pride in those endless amounts of bruises and court burns that your knees, elbows and hips have accumulated. It’s basically proof that you sacrificed your body for a play, or that you’re really clumsy…
3. Everything becomes a volleyball.
Whether it's a medicine ball, a basketball, or even a tennis ball, when it is in the hands of a volleyball player it immediately becomes a volleyball. No matter how heavy it is, we always find a way to set it to ourselves.
4. Your kneepads smell worse than a dead animal -- your teammates know it too.
All of us volleyball players have been there. We forget to wash our sweaty kneepads and leave them in our backpacks just to bust them out the next day and leave our team with watery eyes and tainted noses. No biggie though because we usually always carry body spray for this very reason.
5. Practice is your primary source for socializing.
“Sorry, I have practice.” The only legitimate excuse that causes us to miss out on plans or relieves us from unwanted socializing. Because seriously, wouldn’t you want to hit volleyballs all night instead of going out and partying? I know I would.
6. Your mental attitude is probably just as strong as your legs.
Let’s be honest. Volleyball is probably one of the most mentally draining sports out there. Our mental strength, or weakness, is just as obvious as our vertical.
7. You’ve gotten hit in the head at least once, or ten times.
Or if you’re like me, you’ve probably got hit or slammed your head into the ground more times than needed. Is it bad to mention how good it feels when you’re on the other side hitting your opponent in the head? It probably is, but you know it’s true.
8. Lying to the referees becomes second nature.
There is always that one ref that fails to notice your hands practically pushing down on the net after a block...but hey, no complaints here!
9. You three (or four) step approach at very random times.
Just practicing that approach as I head towards the refrigerator, no biggie.
10. Amidst the never ending jumping, squatting, and diving, you wouldn’t trade your sport for anything.
There is no better feeling than blocking a painful hit, or picking up a ball that is inches away from the ground. Above all else, celebrating with your team makes all the bruises, scratches, and hard work worth it.
